Province, Metis to discuss hunting and fishing rights
The provincial government and Metis Nation-saskatchewan (MN-S) have reaffirmed an agreement signed almost a decade ago regarding food harvesting rights.
On Wednesday, MN-S president Glen Mccallum, MN-S regional director Penny Hurton, Environment Minister Dustin Duncan and Justice Minister Don Morgan signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) committing to future negotiations around officially recognizing and respecting Metis rights to hunt and fish across the province.
Mccallum pointed to work being done at the federal level and said he was happy to have the province on board for future discussions.
“There’s a lot of things that can happen, even legislation happening, recognizing the Metis and the federal government recognizing the Metis for what rights we have,” he said.
“But we need to have the province at the table. And this MOU does that.”
For the province, the talks will hopefully allow the creation of a framework outlining how rights will be exercised while ensuring management of resources, Duncan said.
Court rulings like the landmark 2003 Supreme Court of Canada Powley ruling have acknowledged and defined Metis rights under Canadian legislation. But limitations still occur, Mccallum said.
“There’s so many restrictions with regards to how we can practise our way of life, our traditions, our values.”
Duncan said the move put steam back into work resulting from the previous MOU, signed in 2010.
“There was an existing MOU. Over time, though, I just think both sides lost some momentum in terms of getting to an agreement,” he said. “This is really just re-establishing that relationship.”
While no firm timeline has been set, both parties said they’re confident talks will begin at some point in the new year.